Corner gutter covers, gutter systems, and related methods

ABSTRACT

Gutter systems, inward corner gutter covers and related methods are provided. A corner gutter cover can include a support post configured to be secured to a splash guard of an inward corner gutter and to extend over a portion of the inward corner with the support post sloping downward from the splash guard toward and inside corner of the gutter. The corner gutter cover can also include a screen disposed on the support post. The screen can be configured to extend on either side of the support post from the support post to an adjacent roof line of a roof when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter. The screen can be configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into gutter while preventing other debris from passing therethrough and diverting the debris away from the inward corner gutter.

RELATED APPLICATION

The presently disclosed subject matter claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/252,852, filed Nov. 9, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to rain gutters and gutter systems use on commercial and residential building, such as houses, to direct and drain water from a root of the respective house. Broadly, the present subject matter relates to gutter systems and covers for rain gutters used to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to corner covers for inward corner rain gutters to prevent leaves, twigs, acorns, pine needles and other debris from collecting behind a splash guard of a gutter system.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of rain gutters on a roof of a house is to collect rain-water and/or melted snow that run off a roof which is then discharged into connected downpipes to drain the water onto the ground away from the house or building into a drainage system or storage tanks. Most gutters are open and will collect leaves and debris from the roof and surrounding trees. This debris will be washed along in the gutter and can form a “dam” which will block the free flow of water in the gutter. Such blockages can cause the water to overflow the back of the gutter and damage the lining of the eaves and other portions of the roof. The leaves and debris can also contaminate the water that is discharged from the downpipes.

To eliminate clogging of rain gutters by debris, e.g., leaves, various rain gutter covers have been designed to channel water into a rain gutter, while, at the same time, keeping the debris from entering the rain gutter. Some such rain gutter covers can function through water adhesion principles that channel water into the gutter via a plurality of apertures formed in the rain gutter cover. These apertures direct the water into the rain gutter while debris of sufficient size is excluded from entering the rain gutter. Typically, such rain gutter covers are attached between a roofline and a lip of the rain gutter along the entire length of the rain gutter.

However, on some roofs, two portions of a roof may meet at an angle (typically, 90 degrees) to form what is known as an inside, or inward, corner or inside valley. In principle, water flowing along an inside valley flows onto the top flat portion of a gutter cover following a path to the collector portion where, through principles of surface adhesion, the water is delivered into the rain gutter as the debris carried by the water is jettisoned off of the gutter cover. However, the amount of water flowing from an inside valley may exceed the gutter cover's ability to collect the water, thereby permitting much of the water to overflow the gutter cover and to fall onto the ground resulting in soil erosion, basement leakage and other related issues.

In an attempt to redirect the rain water from the inside valley to a larger cross-section of gutter covers, vertical deflectors or fence-like devices have been installed on the gutter covers. These fence-like devices extend usually 1½ inches to 3 inches in height and are positioned to interrupt the flow of water before it reaches the gutter covers, thereby diverting the water laterally across the roofing or the horizontal portion of the gutter covers. In essence, the fence-like devices spread the large quantity of water within the inside valley across the roof. Unfortunately, tree debris, twigs, leaves, seeds, and so on accumulate behind the fence-like device, thereby reducing its effectiveness in diverting the rain water. Additionally, debris collecting behind the fence-like device contributes to the deteriorate of the roofing material itself. To keep the fence-like device functioning, frequent cleaning is required, which is cumbersome, dangerous and contrary to the intended function of the gutter covers, i.e., keeping the rain gutters maintenance-free.

Therefore, a need exists for improved gutter systems and inward corner gutter covers that facilitate the handling of rainwater and debris travelling down an inside valley of the roof without collecting the debris.

SUMMARY

The present subject matter relates to gutter systems, inward corner gutter covers and related methods. Broadly, the present subject matter relates to covers for rain gutters used to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to gutter systems, and inward corner gutter covers for inward corner rain gutters that prevent leaves, twigs, acorns, pine needles and other debris from collecting behind a splash guard of a gutter system.

The present subject matter also relates to a corner gutter leaf cover that is installed with new or existing leaf protection. The corner gutter leaf cover can be installed at the base of the roof valley and attached to the top of the splash guard and is fastened to a leaf protection system allowing the high volume of water that flows down a roof inside valley to flow into the gutter without over running the gutter while also preventing leaves, twigs, acorns, pine needles and other debris from collecting behind the splash guard of the gutter system. The gutter leaf cover can fit in the corner of the gutters and can attach to any style of leaf protection.

Thus, it is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide gutter systems and inward corner gutter covers as well as methods related thereto. While one or more objects of the presently disclosed subject matter having been stated hereinabove, and which is achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a building having an embodiment of a gutter system using an embodiment of an inward corner gutter cover according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a gutter system with a corner gutter cover showing the outward portion of the gutter system that faces outward from a roof according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the embodiment of the gutter system with a corner gutter cover showing the inward portion of the gutter system that faces toward a roof according to FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a gutter system using an embodiment of an inward corner gutter cover being secured to a roof along a roof line according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an inward corner gutter cover according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the embodiment of the inward corner gutter cover according to FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of support post used in an inward corner gutter cover according to the present subject matter; and

FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the embodiment of the support post used in an inward corner gutter cover according to FIG. 5A.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made to the embodiments of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which ore set forth, below. Each example is provided by way of an explanation of the present subject matter, not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present subject matter without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. For instance, features illustrated or described as one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present subject matter, which broader aspects are embodied in exemplary constructions.

Although the terms first, second, right, left, front, rear, top, bottom, etc, may be used herein to describe various features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature, element, component, region, layer or section from another feature, element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first feature, element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second feature, element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure herein.

Similarly, when a layer or coating is being described in the present disclosure as “on” or “over” another layer or substrate, it is to be understood that the layers can either be directly contacting each other or have another layer or feature between the layers, unless expressly staled to the contrary. Thus these terms are simply describing the relative position of the layers to each other and do not necessarily mean “on top of” since the relative position above or below depends upon the orientation of the device to the viewer.

Embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments that may be idealized. As such, variations from the shapes and/or positions of features, elements or components within the illustrations as a result of, for example but not limited to, user preferences, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Shapes, sizes and/or positions of features, elements or components illustrated in the figures may also be magnified, minimized, exaggerated, shifted or simplified to facilitate explanation of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the features, elements or components illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes and/or positions are not intended to illustrate the precise configuration of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

It is to be understood that the ranges and limits mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed limits (i.e., subranges). For instance, a range from about 100 to about 200 also includes ranges from 110 to 150, 170 to 190, 153 to 162, and 145.3 to 149.8. Further, a limit of up to about 7 also includes a limit of up to about 5, up to 3, and up to about 4.5, as well as ranges within the limit, such as from about 1 to about 5, and from about 3.2 to about 6.5.

The present subject matter also relates to a corner gutter leaf cover that is installed with new or existing leaf protection. The corner gutter leaf cover can be installed at the base of the roof valley and attached to the top of the splash guard and is fastened to a leaf protection system allowing the high volume of water that flows down a roof inside valley to flow into the gutter without over running the gutter while also preventing leaves, twigs, acorns, pine needles and other debris from collecting behind the splash guard of the gutter system. The gutter leaf cover can fit in the corner of the gutters and can attach to any style of leaf protection.

As disclosed herein, corner gutter covers and gutter systems that can be commercial or residential buildings are provided. In some embodiments, the corner gutter cover can comprise a support post configured to be secured to a splash guard of an inward corner gutter and extend over a portion of the inward corner gutter sloping down from the splash guard. Such a corner gutter cover can also comprise a screen disposed on the support post. The screen can be configured to extend on either side of the support post from the support post to an adjacent roof line of a roof when the supped post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter. The screen can be configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough into the inward corner gutter. The shape of the screen disposed on the support post can divert the debris away from the inward corner gutter so that the debris can fall off of the roof of the building on which the inward corner gutter is installed. For example, the screen can slope downward from a top of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter on either side of the support post toward covers of adjacent straight line gutters. In some embodiments, the screen can extend along the support post outward from the splash guard so as to form a partial pyramidal shape to divert debris to either side of the support post while allowing water to pass through the screen.

In some embodiments, the corner gutter cover can comprise one or more securement flanges disposed on one or more sides of the screen that are adjacent respective gutter cover portions that cover straight line portions of a gutter. Additionally, in some embodiments, the corner gutter cover can further comprise one or more flashing strips disposed on one or more ends of the screen for attachment to the roof along the roof line when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter. The flashing strips can attach to the ends of the screen that are to be adjacent the roof line and can be configured to fit under beneath shingles of the roof to facilitate securement of the screen to the roof.

Similarly, a gutter system can be provided that comprises an inward corner gutter that comprises a first gutter portion extending at an angle from a second gutter portion. The first gutter portion can comprise a first inner wall and a first outer wall with a first floor therebetween with the first gutter portion extending in a first direction. The second gutter portion can comprise a second inner wall and a second outer wall with a second floor therebetween with the second gutter portion extending in a second direction. The gutter system also can comprise a splash guard extending upward from first and second outer walls of the first and second gutter portions in an area where the first and second gutter portions connect to facilitate the prevention of water overflow at the angled portion formed by the connection the first and second gutter portions.

The gutter system can further comprise a corner gutter cover that can comprise a support post configured to be secured to the splash guard and extend over a portion of the inward corner gutter with the support post sloping down from the splash guard toward the Inner walls of the first and second gutter portions. In particular, in some embodiments, the support post can extend downward from the a top portion of the splash guard to inner angled portion of the inward corner gutter formed by the convergence of the first inner wall of the first gutter portion and the second inner wall of the second gutter portion. The corner gutter cover of the gutter system can also comprise a screen disposed on the support post. The screen can be configured to extend on either side of the support post from the support post toward an adjacent roof line of a roof when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter and the gutter system is installed on a building. The screen can de configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into the first and second gutter portions while preventing, other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough. The screen can also divert the debris away from the inward corner gutter to decrease blocking of the screen by debris. In some embodiments, the corner gutter cover can comprise one or more securement flanges disposed on one or more sides of the screen and/or one or more flashing strips disposed on one or more ends of the screen for attachment to the roof along the roof line as described above. The corner gutter covers, gutter systems and related methods disclosed herein are described in more detailed below with reference to the figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a building, generally B, such as a residential house, is shown having a roof R that slopes downward. The roof R can have a first roof section R₁ covering a first section of the building B and a second roof section R₂ covering a second section of the building B that extends in a different direction from and at an angle to the first roof section R₁ covering the first section of the building B. The roof R can comprise shingles S. The convergence of the first roof section R₁ and the second roof section R₂ forms an inside roof valley V. When it rains, the amount of water flowing from the inside roof valley V generally exceeds the amount of water flowing over flat sections of the first and second roof section R₁, R₂ due to the inside roof valley V channeling water coming off the first and second roof section into the inside roof valley V. Additionally, the inside roof valley V tends to collect more tree debris such as leaves, twigs, acorns, pine needles and other debris as compared to flat sections of the first and second roof section R₁, R₂.

To aid in the handling of the excess rainwater and debris that collects in such inside roof valley V, a gutter system, generally designated 10, can be provided. The gutter system 10 can comprise straight line gutters 12, 14 that are secured at the roof line of the flat sections of the respective first and second roof section R₁, R₂. The straight line gutters 12, 14 can each have a gutter cover 12A, 14A thereon that prevents debris such as leaves, twigs, acorns, pine needles and other debris from entering the trough of the straight line gutters 12, 14, while allowing rainwater to pass through the gutter covers 12A, 14A into the trough of the straight line gutters 12, 14. The gutter system 10 can also comprise strategically placed downspouts, or downpipes, 16 to transport rainwater collected in the gutters out of the gutter system 10. The downspouts 16 can drain the water onto the ground away from the building B into a drainage system or storage tanks, for example.

The gutter system 10 can also comprise an inward corner gutter 20 that comprises a first gutter portion 22 that can extend at an angle from a second gutter portion 24. The inward corner gutter 20 is configured to be secured at a roof line of the inside roof valley V where the fiat sections of the first and second roof section R₁, R₂ converge. To aid in containing and directing the excess flow of rainwater from the inside roof valley V, the gutter system 10 also can comprise a splash guard 26 extending upward from outer walls of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 in an area where the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 connect. The splash guard 26 can help to prevent water overflow at the angled portion of the inward corner gutter 20 formed by the connection the first and second gutter portions 22, 24.

The gutter system 10 can further comprise a corner gutter cover 30 that can comprise a support post 32 configured to be secured to the splash guard 26 and extend over a portion of the inward corner gutter 20 with the support post 32 sloping down from the splash guard 26 toward the inner walls of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24. In particular, in some embodiments, the support post 32 can extend downward from the a top portion of the splash guard 26 to an inner angled portion of the inward corner gutter 20 formed by the convergence of a first inner wall (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the first gutter portion 22 and a second inner wall (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the second gutter portion 24. The corner gutter cover 30 of the gutter system 10 can also comprise a screen 34 disposed on the support post 32. The screen 34 can be configured to extend on either side of the support post 32 from the support post 32 toward an adjacent roof line of the portions of the first and second roof section R₁, R₂ that form the inside roof valley V when the support post 32 and the screen 34 are installed on the splash guard 26 of the Inward corner gutter 20. The screen 34 can be configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough and the blocking of the screen 34 by such debris.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-28, a section of a gutter system 10 that includes an inward gutter corner 20 is shown in more detail. As stated above, the gutter system 10 can also comprise straight line gutter portions 12, 14 that can each have a gutter cover 12A, 14A thereon. The inward corner gutter 20 can compose a first gutter portion 22 that can extend at an angle from a second gutter portion 24. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 2A, 2B. The first gutter portion 22 of the inward gutter corner 20 can be integral to and be a section of the first straight tine gutter portion 12 and the second gutter portion 24 of the inward gutter corner 20 can be integral to and a section of the second straight line gutter portion 14. Thereby, in some embodiments, the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 can be the portions of the first and second straight line gutters 12, 14 that converge to form the inward corner gutter 20. In some embodiments, the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 can be different sections of gutter that are secured to the respective first and second straight line gutter portions 12, 14. Similarly, the first and second straight line gutters 12, 14 can comprise multiple sections of gutter depending on the length of the roof line to which the gutter system 10 is attached.

Thus, the first straight line gutter 12 and the first gutter portion 22 can comprise a first inner wall 18A and a first outer wall 18B with a first floor 18C therebetween. The second straight line gutter 12 and the second gutter portion 24 can comprise a second inner wall 28A and a second outer wall 28B with a second floor 28C therebetween. The first gutter portion 22 extending in a first direction D₁ with the second gutter portion 24 extending in a second direction D₂ to form an angle α of the inward corner gutter 20 that matches the angle of the roof line of the building on which the inward corner gutter 20 and the gutter system 10 is installed. The angle α can be any suitable angle for a roof line of a commercial or residential building. For example, in the building B shown in FIG. 1 can have a roof line where the roof sections R₁, R₂ form about 90° angle. In some building the roof sections can form a roof line of about 45°. In some building the roof sections can form a roof line of about 135°. Thus, depending on the shape of roof line of the building, in some embodiments, the angle α can be between about 20° and about 150°.

The gutter system 10 also can comprise a splash guard 26 extending upward from first and second outer walls 18B, 28B of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 in an area where the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 connect to facilitate the prevention of water overflow at the angled portion formed by the connection the first and second gutter portions 22, 24. For example, in some embodiments, the splash guard 26 can comprise a first section, or wall, 26A that is secured to the first outer wall 18B of the first gutter portion 22 and a second section, or wall, 26B that is secured to the second outer wall 28B of the second gutter portion 24. The first and second sections 26A, 26B of the splash guard 26 can be any appropriate shape for blocking the overflow of water from the inside valley of a roof. For example, the first and second sections 26A, 26B of the splash guard 26 can have a triangular cross-sectional shape with the height of each triangular cross-sectional shape connected for form a corner section that can have an angle that is the same as or substantially similar to the angle α. The splash guard 26 can be a single unitary piece of the sections 26A, 26B can be separate pieces connected, secured, or attached together. The splash guard 26 can thus have a pinnacle that forms a top portion 26C of the splash guard 26 at a center of the splash guard 26 and can slope downward from the top portion 26C toward the outer walls 18B, 28B of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24.

Thus, the splash guard 26 can comprise a first splash guard wall 26A secured to an upper portion of the first outer wall 18B of the first gutter portion 22 of the inward corner gutter 20 and a second splash guard wall 26B secured to an upper portion of the second outer wall 28B of the second gutter portion 24 of the inward corner gutter 20. The first splash guard wall 26A converges with the second splash guard 26B wall to form a corner section with an angle that corresponds to the angle α of the inward corner gutter 20 formed by the convergence of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24.

As above, the gutter system 10 can further comprise a corner gutter cover 30 that can comprise a support post 32 configured to be secured to the splash guard 26 and extend over a portion of the inward corner gutter 20 with the support post 32 sloping down from the splash guard 26 toward the inner walls of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24. In particular, in some embodiments, the support post 32 can extend downward from the top portion 26C of the splash guard 26 to an inner angled portion of the inward corner gutter 20 formed by the convergence of a first inner wall (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the first gutter portion 22 and a second inner wall (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the second gutter portion 24. The support post 32 may comprise aluminum or of any other sufficiently sturdy and lightweight material. The support post 32 can comprise a first end 32A and a second end 32B. The first end 32A of the support post 32 can comprise a clip end 32C that can be an integral part of support post 32. The clip end 32C can be configured to engage a top portion of the splash guard 26 of the inward corner gutter 20. For example, the clip end 32C can clip onto the top portion 26C of a corner section of the splash guard 26 of the inward corner gutter 20 as explained in more detail below. In some embodiments, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can be configured to engage an inward corner section 20A (see FIG. 2B) of the inward corner gutter 20. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can comprise a clip end that clips onto the inward corner section 20A of the inward corner gutter 20. In some embodiments, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can be fastened with fasteners onto the inward corner section 20A of the inward corner gutter 20.

The corner gutter cover 30 of the gutter system 10 can also comprise a screen 34 disposed on the support post 32. The screen 34 can be configured to extend on either side of the support post 32 from the support post 32 toward an adjacent roof line of the portions of the first and second roof section R₁, R₂ that form the inside roof valley V when the support post 32 and the screen 34 are installed on the splash guard 26 of the inward corner gutter 20. The screen 34 can be configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough and the blocking of the screen 34 by such debris. The screen 34 can follow the walls 26A, 26B of the splash guard down to the outer walls 18B, 28B of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24. The screen 34 can comprise a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, metals such as titanium, copper or aluminum or thermoplastic polymers such as nylon, polyester, high density polyethylene, or the like. In some embodiments, the screen 34 can comprise a porous mesh, such as a wire mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh of the screen 34 can be more rigid to hold its form when secured to the support post 32. In some embodiments, the mesh can be sturdy by flexible. The apertures formed in the mesh can be such that the apertures allow water to pass through, but prevent tree and leaf debris from passing through. In some embodiments, the screen 34 can comprise a plurality of perforated plates that can be secured to the support post 32 and the sides of the splash guard 26.

The screen 34 can be secured to support post 32 in variety of ways. The screen 34 can slope downward from a top portion 26C of the splash guard 26 of the inward corner gutter 20 on either side of the support post 32 toward the gutter covers 12A, 14A of adjacent straight tine gutters 12, 14 and toward the inner walls 18A, 28A of the first and second gutter portions 22, 24 of the inward corner gutter 20. For example, the screen 34 can extend along the support post 32 outward from the splash guard 26 so as to form a partial pyramidal shape to divert debris to either side of the support post 32 while allowing water to pass through the screen. Thereby, the screen 34 forms permeable walls that extend from the support posts 32 to the sides of the splash guard 26 such that the permeable walls formed by the screen 34 do not permit debris to enter the gutter system 10.

The screen 34 can extend outward from the support post 32 at a first screen angle from a first side of the support post 32 and at a second screen angle from a second side of the support post 32. The first screen angle and the second screen angle are substantially equal to each other.

In some embodiments, the corner gutter cover 30 can comprise one or more securement flanges 36A, 36B disposed on one or more sides 34A of the screen 34. The securement flanges 36A, 36B disposed en one or more sides 34A of the screen 34 that are adjacent respective gutter cover portions 12A, 14A that cover straight line gutters 12, 14. The securement flanges 36A, 36B can be secured to the sides 34A of the screen 34 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts, appropriate waterproof adhesives, soldering, or the like. In some embodiments, the securement flanges 36A, 36B can be molded to one or more sides 34A of the screen 34.

Similarly, the securement flanges 36A, 36B can be secured to the gutter cover portions 12A, 14A that cover straight line gutters 12, 14 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts, appropriate waterproof adhesives, soldering or the like. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism used to secure the securement flanges 36A, 36B to the screen 34 can also be used to secure the securement flanges 36A, 36B to the gutter cover portions 12A, 14A. The one or more securement flanges 36A, 36B can be attached to each side 34A of gutter screen 34 and to the gutter cover portions 12A, 14A that cover straight line gutters 12, 14 in a manner that prevents or at least greatly limits the opportunity for debris to get between the screen 34 and the gutter cover portions 12A, 14A and into the trough of the gutter system 10. The one or more securement flanges 36 can vary in width as long as the flanges can help prevent debris from entering the gutter system 10. In some common embodiments, the one or more securement flanges 36A, 36B approximately one (1) inch in width.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the corner gutter cover 30 can comprise one or more flashing strips 38 disposed on one or more ends 348 of the screen 34 for attachment to the roof along the roof line as described above. For example, the flashing strips 38 at the ends of the screen 34 can be attached adjacent the roof line by being configured to fit beneath shingles of the roof to facilitate securement of the screen 34 to the roof as will be explained further below.

The one or more flashing strips 38 can be attached to the rear 34B of gutter screen 34. The flashing strips 38 can be secured to the ends 34B of the screen 34 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts, appropriate waterproof adhesives, soldering, or the like. In some embodiments, the flashing strips 38 can be molded to one or more ends 34B of the screen 34. The length of each of the flashing strips 38 can depend on the size screen 34. The size of the support post 32 and the size of the screen 34 can depend on the size of the trough of the inward corner gutter 20 that is being covered and the size of the splash guard 26 used on the inward corner gutter 20. In some common embodiments each of the flashing strips 38 can extend approximately 12 inches from each side of the support post 32. Each of the flashing strips 38 can vary in width. For example, each of the flashing strips 33 can be approximately 3 inches in width.

As shown in FIG. 3, the corner gutter cover 30 can be installed on the inward corner gutter 20 by attaching the support post 32 to the splash guard 26. In particular, in some embodiments, the clip end 32C can be attached to the top portion 26C of a corner section of splash guard 26 so that support post 12 extends from the peak of splash guard 26 to the back of the inside corner of gutter 24. The screen 34 can be attached to the top of support post 12. For example, the screen 34 can be attached to the support post 32 with fasteners, such as screws or rivets, appropriate waterproof adhesives, soldering, or the like. The flashing strips 38 can be attached to the ends 34B of the screen 34. In particular, the flashing strip 38 can be attached to the length of the rear of gutter screen 34. To attach the screen 34 to the roof R proximal to or adjacent to the roof line, the flashing strips 38 can be slid under shingle S of the roof R to support the back ends 34B of screen 14. Attached to each side 34A of screen 34 can be the securement flanges 36A, 36B (see FIGS. 2A and 2B also). The securement flanges 36A, 36B can then be anchored to gutter covers 12A, 14A (see FIGS. 2A and 2B also), for example, with metal zip screws.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show schematic views of an embodiment of a corner gutter cover, generally designated 30. The corner gutter cover 30 can comprise a support post 32 as described above that can be configured to be secured to a splash guard of an inward corner gutter. When the corner gutter cover 30 is installed, the support post 32 can extend over a portion of the inward corner gutter with the support post 32 sloping down from the splash guard. The corner gutter cover 30 can also comprise a screen 34 as described above that can be disposed on the support post 32. The screen 34 can be configured to extend on either side of the support post 32 from the support post 32 to an adjacent roof line of a roof when the support post 32 and the screen 34 are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter.

The support post 32 can comprise a first end 32A and a second end 32B. The first end 32A of the support post 32 can comprise a clip end 32C that can be an integral part of support post 32. The clip end 32C can be configured to engage a top portion of a splash guard of an inward corner gutter. In some embodiments, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can be configured to engage an inward corner section formed by the inner walls of the inward corner gutter.

The screen 34 can be configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into the corner gutter while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough and diverting the debris away from the inward corner gutter. In some embodiments, the screen 34 can be a unitary single piece that can be cut into a patterned and then shaped to fit around the support post 32 and between gutter covers of adjacent gutter portions, the splash guard, and the roof line of the roof. In some embodiments, the screen 34 can be separate pieces that can each be individually attached to the support post 32.

In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the corner gutter cover 30 can comprise one or more securement flanges 36 disposed on two sides 34A of the screen 34 that can be positioned adjacent respective gutter cover portions that cover straight line portions of a gutter when the corner gutter cover 30 is installed. The corner gutter cover 30 can also comprise one or more flashing strips 38 disposed on one or more ends 34B of the screen 34 for attachment to the roof along the roof line when the support post 12 and the screen 34 are installed on the inward corner gutter. The flashing strips 38 can be attached to the ends 34B of the screen 34 for attachment to a roof along the adjacent roof line. For example, the flashing strips 38 can be configured to fit beneath shingles of the roof to facilitate securement of the screen 34 to the roof.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an embodiment of a support post, generally designated 32, is discussed in more detail. As stated above, the support post 32 may comprise any sufficiently sturdy and lightweight material, including, but not limited to metals, such as aluminum or titanium, stiff thermoplastic polymers that are weather resistant, or the like. The support post 32 can comprise a body 32E, a first end 32A and a second end 32B with the first end 32A of the support post 32 comprising a clip end 32C that can be an integral part of support post 32. The clip end 32C can be configured to engage a top portion of a splash guard of an inward corner gutter. For example, the clip end can clip onto a top portion of a corner section of a splash guard of the respective inward corner gutter 20.

For example, in some embodiments, the clip end 32C comprises two or more opposing prongs 32D that can be clipped onto a top portion of a corner section of the splash guard of the respective inward corner gutter. In some such embodiments, the clip end 32C can comprise a first clip section 32C₁ comprising downward pointing prongs 32D₁ and a second clip section 32C₂ extending at an angle Δ from the first clip section 32C₁ with the second clip section 32C₂ comprising downward pointing prongs 32D₂. The angle Δ can correspond to the angle of the corner section of the splash guard formed by the walls of the splash guard to which support post 32 is to be attached. Similarly, the angle Δ and the angle of the corner section of the splash guard can correspond to the angle α of the inward corner gutter 20 as shown in FIG. 2A and the angle formed by the roof line of the roof to which the gutter 20 is attached. The first clip section 32C₁ of the clip end of the support post can be configured to clip onto a first section, or wall, of the top portion of the corner section of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter, while the second clip section 32C₂ can be configured to clip onto a second section, or wall, of the top portion of the corner section of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter.

The prongs 32D₁ of the first clip section 32C₁ can be spaced apart enough to tightly fit on the first walls of the splash guard. Similarly, the prongs 32D₂ of the second clip section 32C₂ can be spaced apart enough to tightly fit on the first walls of the splash guard. In some embodiments, the walls of the splash guard can have indentions for accepting the prongs 32D₁, 32D₂ of the first and second clip sections 32C₁, 32C₂. The downward pointing prongs 32D₁ of the first clip section 32C₁ and the downward pointing prongs 32D₂ of the second clip section 32C₂ can extend down from the respective clip ends at an angle β relative to the body 32E of the support post 32. The angle β can be dependent upon the height of the splash guard as measured from the top portion where the support post 32 is attached to the splash guard to the upper portion of the outer walls of the inward corner gutter and the width of the inward corner gutter at the angle. For example, if the height of the splash guard is 3 inches and the distance between the outer corner angle to the inner corner angle of the inward corner gutter is 5 inches, then the angle β can be about 60°. Thus, the height of the splash guard and the width of the inward corner gutter at the angles can affect the angle β, which, in some embodiments, can range from about 15 to about 75°. Also, the height of the splash guard and the width of the inward corner gutter at the angles can affect the expected slope of the support post 32 and screen 34 that is used to divert debris to either side of the splash guard.

In some embodiments as stated above, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can be configured to engage an inward corner section of the inward corner gutter. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can comprise a clip end that clips onto the inward corner section of the inward corner gutter. In some embodiments, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can be fastened with fasteners onto the inward corner section of the inward corner gutter. In some embodiments, the second end 32B of the support post 32 can be attached through water proof adhesives or by soldering to the inward corner section of the inward corner gutter.

Thus, according to the disclosure herein a method of installing a corner gutter cover is disclosed that includes providing a support post configured to be secured to a splash guard of an inward corner gutter and also providing a screen configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough into a gutter when the corner gutter cover is installed. The support post can be attached, or secured, to the splash guard such that at least a portion of the support post extends over a portion of the inward corner gutter and the support post slopes down from the splash guard toward an inner corner of the inward corner gutter. The screen can be secured to the support post such that the screen is sloped downward from a top of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter on either side of the support post toward covers of adjacent straight line gutters and adjacent roof lines of a roof to which the gutter is attached to form a partial pyramidal shape to divert debris to either side of the support white allowing water to pass through the screen. A securement flange can be attached on each side edge of the screen of the corner gutter cover and the securement flanges can be secured to adjacent gutter covers that cover adjacent gutter portions. The corner gutter cover can also comprise one or more flashing strips that can be attached to one or more ends of the screen. The flashing strips can be secured to the roof along the roof line when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter. In some embodiments, the flashing strip can be secured beneath shingles of the roof to facilitate securement of the screen to the roof.

These and other modifications and variations to the present subject matter may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, which is more particularly set forth herein above. In addition, if should be understood the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the present subject matter. Reference signs incorporated in the claims solely to ease their understanding, and do not limit the scope of the claims. 

1. A corner gutter cover comprising: a support post configured to be secured to a splash guard of an inward corner gutter and extend over a portion of the inward corner gutter with the support post sloping down from the splash guard; and a screen disposed on the support post, the screen configured to extend on either side of the support post from the support post to an adjacent roof line of a roof when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter, the screen configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into the corner gutter while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough and diverting the debris away from the inward corner gutter.
 2. The corner gutter cover according to claim 1, further comprising one or more securement flanges disposed on one or more sides of the screen for attachment to adjacent respective gutter cover portions that cover straight line portions of a gutter when the corner gutter cover is installed.
 3. The corner gutter cover according to claim 1, further comprising one or more flashing strips disposed on one or more ends of the screen for attachment to the roof along the roof line when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter.
 4. The corner gutter cover according to claim 3, wherein the flashing strips attached to the ends of the screen adjacent the roof line are configured to fit beneath shingles of the roof to facilitate securement of the screen to the root.
 5. The corner gutter cover according to claim 1, wherein the support post composes a first end and a second end, the first end of the support post comprising a clip end that is configured to engage a top portion of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter.
 8. The corner gutter cover according to claim 5, wherein the second end of the support post is configured to engage an inward corner section of the inward corner gutter.
 7. The corner gutter cover according to claim 5, wherein the clip end comprises two or more opposing prongs that clip onto a top portion of a corner section of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter. 8-10. (canceled)
 11. The corner gutter cover according to claim 1, wherein the screen is sloped downward from a top of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter on either side of the support post toward covers of adjacent straight line gutters.
 12. The corner gutter cover according to claim 11, wherein the screen extends along the support post outward from the splash guard so as to form a partial pyramidal shape to divert debris to either side of the support while allowing water to pass through the screen.
 13. A gutter system comprising: an inward corner gutter comprising a first gutter portion extending at an angle from a second gutter portion, the first gutter portion comprising a first inner wall and a first outer wall with a first floor therebetween extending in a first direction and the second gutter portion comprising a second inner wall and a second outer wall with a second floor therebetween extending in a second direction; a splash guard extending upward from first and second outer walls of the first and second gutter portions in an area where the first and second gutter portions connect at the angle to facilitate the prevention of water overflow at an angled portion formed by the connection the first and second gutter portions; and a corner gutter cover comprising: a support post configured to be secured to the splash guard and extend over a portion of the inward corner gutter with the support post sloping down from the splash guard toward at least one of the first or second inner walls; and a screen disposed on the support post, the screen configured to extend on either side of the support post from the support post to an adjacent roof line of a roof when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter, the screen configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into first and second gutter portions while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough and diverting the debris away from the inward corner gutter to decrease blocking of the screen by debris.
 14. The gutter system according to claim 13, wherein the splash guard comprises a first splash guard wall secured to an upper portion of the first outer wall of the first gutter portion of the inward corner gutter and a second splash guard wall secured to an upper portion of the second outer wall of the second gutter portion of the inward corner gutter, the first splash guard wall converging with the second splash guard wall to form an angle that corresponds to the angle of the inward corner gutter formed by the convergence of the first and second gutter portions.
 15. The gutter system according to claim 13, further comprising a straight line gutter portion extending from the first gutter portion of the inward corner gutter and a straight line gutter portion extending from an end of the second gutter portion of the inward corner gutter, the straight line gutter portions having gutter covers thereon.
 16. The gutter system according to claim 15, further comprising one or more securement flanges disposed on one or more sides of the screen of the corner gutter cover for attachment to the adjacent respective gutter covers that cover the straight line gutter portions.
 17. The corner gutter cover according to claim 13, further comprising one or more flashing strips disposed on one or more ends of the screen for attachment to the roof along the roof line when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The gutter system according to claim 13, wherein the support post comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the support post comprising a clip end that is configured to engage a top portion of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter and the second end of the support post is configured to engage an inward corner section of the inward corner gutter. 20-24. (canceled)
 25. The corner gutter cover according to claim 13, wherein the screen is sloped downward from a top of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter on either side of the support post toward covers of adjacent straight line gutters and the screen extends along the support post outward from the splash guard so as to form a partial pyramidal shape to divert debris to either side of the support while allowing water to pass through the screen.
 26. (canceled)
 27. A method of installing a corner gutter cover, the method comprising: providing a support post configured to be secured to a splash guard of an inward corner gutter; providing a screen configured to permit rain water to pass therethrough into a gutter while preventing other debris within the rain water from passing therethrough when the corner gutter cover is installed; securing the supped post to the splash guard such that at least a portion of the support post extends over a portion of the inward corner gutter and slopes down from the splash guard toward an inner corner of the inward corner gutter; and securing the screen to the support post such that the screen is sloped downward from a top of the splash guard of the inward corner gutter on ether side of the support post toward covers of adjacent straight line gutters and adjacent roof lines of a roof to which the gutter is attached to form a partial pyramidal shape to divert debris to either side of the support while allowing water to pass through the screen.
 28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: attaching a securement flanges on each side edge of the screen of the corner gutter cover; and securing the securement flanges to adjacent gutter covers that cover adjacent gutter portions.
 29. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: attaching one or more flashing strips to one or more ends of the screen; securing the flashing strips to the roof along the roof line when the support post and the screen are installed on the splash guard of the inward corner gutter.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the securing of the flashing strip comprises securing the flashing strips beneath shingles of the roof to facilitate securement of the screen to the roof. 